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To create the body of the sailboat: Have your child sit in a chair and place a blue piece of construction paper on the floor near his or her feet. Paint your child’s clean foot with an ample amount of washable paint. As he or she slowly stands, guide the painted foot onto the paper and press gently, but firmly to make sure each part makes good contact with the paper. Let the resulting footprint dry. (Wipe any remaining paint off your child’s foot.)
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Make your sails as your footprint dries. Start by drawing two right triangles (see picture) on a piece of construction paper. One should be a bit larger than the other. Cut out the triangles.
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Starting at the center of the top edge of the footprint, draw a line that extends upward several inches. This is your sailboat’s mast. Take the large triangle and glue it to the mast, facing the bow (toes). Glue the second triangle on the other side of the mast.
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Finish your picture by drawing or painting scenery. This might include waves, sea creatures, the sun or clouds, and birds. Use your imagination!
During or after the activity, talk with your children about their five senses: vision, taste, hearing, smell, and touch. You might ask what the paint felt like on their foot. And what do they think they would see, smell, and hear if they were on a sailboat.